The Minister of State of the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, apologized on Friday by the attack against journalists in Islamabad a previous day, ensuring the media that the means will be taken to ensure that said incident does not happen again.
On Thursday, the Islamabad police carried out a raid at the National Press Club (NPC), where several journalists were supposedly attacked. Images emitted Dawnnewstv They showed police armed with canes attacking journalists at the facilities of the press club.
In addition, the images shared on social networks also showed the police dragging journalists of what the cafeteria seemed to be. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had ordered investigation into the incident.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad today, Talal said that the incident is apologized on the name of the Government and that the Minister of Information was on board the matter. Contenting the incident, he assured the media that the steps will be taken so that no one dares to “disrespect the press club” again.
“I went to the press club immediately and asked for an unconditional apology,” Chaudhry said. “Regardless of the deficiencies that have been, we have apologized and measures will be taken.”
When it comes to freedom of expression, journalists and the holiness of the press club, Chaudhry reiterated that “there can be no commitment.” He added that the administration of the press club and other interested parties will collectively make a decision and the corresponding action will be seen.
Meanwhile, in a publication about X, Senator Irfan Siddiqui also condemned the incident, saying that the decision to investigate it is a good step, but it should not be a mere formality.
“Officials who are irresponsible and abusive must be identified and punished under the law,” Senator Siddiqui said. “While maintaining the transparent research process, journalists should also participate.”
He added that the holiness of press clubs should not be raped. “There is no justification for violence against a journalist who performs professional tasks can be acceptable. A solid agreement to permanently prevent such actions is very important,” he said.
In May, the Annual Report of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Freedom Network for 2025 said that Pakistan’s media are “standing at a crossroads in the midst of an existential threat and an increase in the restrictive environment, deteriorating occupational safety and safety, significant challenges for the professional integrity of the media and their professionals.”
Last year, Pakistan dropped two places in the World Freedom Index published by reporters without borders, with the country classifying 152 of 180 countries.
Additional entry of Irfan Sadozai.
